Next Gen captures Holloway Summer Jam championship in 86-81 thriller

Next Gen captures Holloway Summer Jam championship in 86-81 thriller

Next Gen entered the Holloway Summer Jam playoffs as the No. 3 seed following an up-and-down regular season.

The team finished as champions.

Behind a 34-point performance from Holloway Summer Jam MVP Amari Edwards, Next Gen defeated the Kinston Huskies 86-81 in the championship game. Kinston High senior Gavin Brock led the Huskies with 33 points.

Next Gen coach Clarence Burton said his team carried a 4-4 record into the playoffs. Next Gen defeated Team 4L, coached by Monte, before facing the Huskies in the championship.

Burton’s message remained consistent as his players worked through the challenges of learning how to play together.

“It was one thing I told them every game: ‘Slow the ball down and be patient,’” Burton said. “They were kind of rough in the beginning, learning each other and other play styles. But once they got rolling and actually listened and played off each other, they were the hardest team to guard.”

Edwards, a member of the Class of 2026, delivered his biggest performance when Next Gen needed it most. His 34 points helped the team complete its postseason run and secure the first Holloway Summer Jam championship.

Next Gen’s roster also included Jaylyn Mils, Amare Williams, Kell Cannon, DJ Gooding, Jalil Coward, Wynell Jones and Reggie Saunders.

The championship concluded the first summer league held under Holloway Recreation Director Isaac Parson. The inaugural season also included a game at Teachers Memorial Gymnasium and brought players, coaches and fans together for a summer of competitive basketball.

“Year 1 for Holloway Jam was a movie,” Parson said. “Ready for Year 2. Going to try to get more players in the surrounding areas like Snow Hill, Greenville and Goldsboro. Proud of all the players for coming out and competing. I really liked that we got to play that one game at Teachers. Maybe we’ll have something in store next year with well-known gyms in Kinston.

“Year 2 is going to be epic. Appreciate all the fans for coming out and supporting. Congrats to my staff on a successful Summer Jam season.”

With its first champion crowned and a foundation established, the Holloway Summer Jam will look to expand its reach during its second season.

Team roster consisted of:
Coach Clarence Burton
Jaylyn Mils
Amare Williams
Amari Edwards
Kell Cannon
DJ Gooding
Jalil Coward
Wynell Jones
Reggie Saunders